Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| piccolo | /ˈpik.ko.lo/ |
| ristretto | /risˈtret.to/ |
ristretto is used specifically to describe a small, concentrated serving of espresso. minuto/a is usually employed when referring to small objects or details. ridotto/a is used to indicate a small size or quantity, particularly in reference to reduced or compact versions of something.
Which one should you use?
While piccolo means small in size, ristretto is used specifically to describe a small, concentrated serving of espresso.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word piccolo can be used in slang or vulgar contexts. piccolino/a conveys a sense of endearment and is often used to describe small, cute things.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective piccolo must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies, so the feminine singular form is piccola. The masculine plural form of piccolo is piccoli. The feminine plural form of piccolo is piccole.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of piccolo is /ˈpik.ko.lo/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In a musical context, a piccolo is a small flute that plays an octave higher than the standard flute.
- The word piccolo may share an ancient root with the English word 'piece' via the Vulgar Latin pittitus, meaning 'small' or 'worthless'.
- While piccolo is used for size, the word minuto comes from the same root as 'minute' in English, referring to something broken down into tiny parts.
Examples in context
- È un cane piccolo.It is a small dog.This sentence shows how to use piccolo to describe a dog.Tatoeba #8452175 by Guybrush88, translation #501485 by CC
- Il topo è piccolo.The mouse is small.This sentence demonstrates the use of piccolo with a mouse.Tatoeba #10462328 by Guybrush88, translation #10288166 by ddnktr
- Il mondo è piccolo.It's a small world.This sentence illustrates the idiomatic use of piccolo in the phrase 'a small world'.Tatoeba #437222 by Pharamp, translation #271093 by CK
- Ho una piccola macchinaI have a small car
- Il tuo bambino è piccinino!Your child is so small!
- Il tuo appartamento è davvero piccolo!Your apartment is really small!
- Voglio comprare una macchinina piccolina per mio figlio.I want to buy a little car for my son.
- Posso avere una porzione ridotta di pasta?Can I have a small portion of pasta?
- Portami gli occhiali, non riesco a vedere la scritta minuta.Bring me my glasses, I can't read the small writing.
- 332 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are looking at apartments.
- LorenzoQuesto appartamento è troppo piccolo.This apartment is too small.
- GiuliaSì, non c'è spazio per il letto.Yes, there is no space for the bed.
- LorenzoCerchiamo un posto un po' più grande.Let's look for a place that is a bit bigger.
- GiuliaHai ragione, Lorenzo, andiamo via.You are right, Lorenzo, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “small” translations and entries piccolo, ristretto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries piccolo, ristretto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
